At least 18 pupils and one teacher have died in flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, said Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Schools have been closed until next week, with around 120 schools reporting damage.
The department is currently completing an assessment of damage to schools in the province.
“This a catastrophe and the damage is unprecedented. What is even more worrying is that more rain is expected in the same areas that are already affected,” said Motshekga.
In other news:
Four Zimbabweans Die In Kwazulu-Natal Floods As Death Toll Rises To 306
At least four Zimbabweans are reported to have died following heavy rains and floods that hit South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province over the past few days.
Love dont’ hurt
Several other Zimbabweans are feared missing as the death toll hits 306.
Confirming the development, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, Nqabutho Mabhena, revealed that a couple from Harare and two other people, one from Mutare and the other from Karoi perished in Pinetown near Durban when a house they were living in collapsed.
“The couple had settled in the area from Harare, while two more people are from Mutare and Karoi.
As an organisation, we want to convey our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
So, far we are making all available plans to help them so that they get a decent burial,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to Johannesburg Melody Chaurura said they have received reports that some Zimbabweans perished during the floods and mudslides but are yet to verify the total number with the South African government.
“We have received reports on our people who have died in KwaZulu Natal.
However, at this point, we cannot tell the total number or their identity since we are still verifying these reports with our host.
As the consulate, we are ready to help those who were affected to make the repatriation of their remains seamless.
The phenomenon has been dubbed the deadliest weather event in SA’s history.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has become one of the first countries to convey condolences to SA. Taking to his Twitter account on Wednesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa shared his sympathies.
“Horrifying news from SA today. My deepest sympathies to all those affected by the flooding and to the great people of SA,” said Mnangagwa.
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